The Spa @15: Beyond luxury and relaxation

WHEN it first opened its doors in 1996, The Spa not only pioneered the day spa in the country, it also introduced the concept of luxury relaxation to Filipinos.

Since then, it has become a trademark of sorts when it comes to relaxation treatments and a benchmark which all other luxury spas can be measured. 

As it celebrates 15 years, The Spa reinvents itself once again to cater to the more demanding needs of the Filipino urban warriors. 

“This is the reason why we too are renewing our commitment to our discriminating clientele by putting together all the different facets of wellness, under one brand—The Spa Wellness.”  

The new vision focuses on achieving complete and total wellness through the three notions of beauty. Inspired by the brilliance and purity of the crystal, each treatment is designed to bring forth beauty, radiance and strength. 

First is a strong body, achieved through the “barre3” program, a revolutionary workout combining the benefits of pilates, yoga and ballet in one program. Next is to have beautiful skin and body, which is assured by having certified dermatologists at their SKIN Dermatology and Laser Center; and finally, to achieve a tranquil spirit via luxury pampering and rejuvenation under expert hands at The Spa.

Created by fitness expert Sadie Lincoln (one of Madonna’s long-time trainers), barre3 was borne out of her 20 years of teaching numerous exercise platforms. It is a revolutionary class that combines the grace of the ballet barre, the wisdom of yoga and the strength of Pilates. Set to music, this transformative 60-minute ballet barre workout improves balance, increases flexibility and enhances strength. Every second in this workout counts for fast body shaping results and long-term postural benefits. 

Barre3 introduces a new level of focus with barre3 foundations, a class featuring the same highly effective sequence of exercises done at a slower pace—yet equally challenging. Instructors emphasize the foundations of alignment, foundation and specific muscle actions, giving students a deeper understanding of each posture. Perfect for beginners, experienced students looking to bring their workout to a new level, those easing into a routine from a period of inactivity, elderly individuals, and expectant and new mothers with medical clearance. 

After an energizing workout head to The Spa where you can choose from its four new treatments. 

First is the Casmara Facial, an exclusive facial featuring the original peel-off mask. Casmara is a premium beauty brand from Spain, a dermo-laboratory whose products are available in the best beauty salons, medical clinics, and spas worldwide. With exceptional moisturizing properties, this ground-breaking mask is primarily made of marine algae with exceptional moisturizing properties and can be customized to address specific skin types and needs, be it normal, sensitive, or anti-aging. 

The algae hardens to apply pressure on the skin and promote better absorption of its active ingredients. It is then simply peeled off, versus traditional masks that need considerable scraping and yanking that irritate and exert stress on the skin. The result is skin that is unbelievably soft, smooth and radiant. 

The new Purity Facial with Organics on the other hand fights free radical damage for brighter, hydrated and nourished skin. This eco-friendly facial uses only 100-percent natural ingredients, infusing skin with the goodness of certified organic products. The intrinsic benefits of the natural products are fully delivered to the skin, leaving skin velvety smooth, brighter, nourished and perfectly hydrated. 

Renew both the body and mind with Toning Bamboo Revival, an innovative body contouring and sculpting treatment. The 90-minute reducing and refirming treatment combines an anti-cellulite wrap of flowers and aromatic spices with an invigorating, rebalancing, and silhouette-targeting body massage using bamboo canes, which (as the Chinese discovered) can be an instrument to channel energy to and from the human body. It also purifies one’s inner vital energy to maintain harmony and balance—a true ritual of body and mind renewal. 

To nourish both skin and soul and reveal a youthful, healthy glow there is the Crystalline Skin Body Treatment. This 90-minute treatment brightens and smoothens with a natural, gentle, premium-grade body scrub of chamomile, rosemary, jojoba was, aloe vera gel and lemon; then calms the sprit with a soul-soothing, full-body massage. 

As it celebrates its crystal anniversary, The Spa is also offering the Wellness Privilege Pass, a membership offering an unparalleled access to wellness. Exclusive privileges and discounts to The Spa Wellness group of brands (The Spa, barre3 and SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center) await card-holders, as well as perks from wellness partner-merchants.

The Diamond card offers the luxury of The Spa’s exquisite suites and premiere villas. Ruby offers the privilege of private rooms, while Coral gives full access to common room and amenities. All these come in annual and semi-annual tiers, with extensive privileges such as unlimited access to The Spa’s luxury wet-floor amenities (showers, jacuzzi, steam, pool); special Member’s Rate for The Spa, barre3, and SKIN services; and numerous freebies and discounts such as birthday treats and a precious Welcome Gift. 

The same enjoyment of this wellness indulgence are available to fitness aficionados. barre3 members get unlimited classes (annual or semi-annual); special Member’s Rate for The Spa and SKIN services; rejuvenating packages from The Spa and SKIN; and numerous discounts and freebies such as birthday treats and a precious Welcome Gift. The Silver card provides access to gym at The Spa Wellness Acropolis on top of similar perks. 

As a special gift on The Spa’s 15th year, those who sign up for an annual membership by December 30 will get 15 months of access (or additional three months) for Diamond, Ruby, Coral and Silver cards. 

The Spa Wellness Privilege Pass can be used in all the seven boutique branches in prime locations in the metropolis.